7Artisans Brings the AF 135mm F/1.8 MAX Portrait Lens to Sony E and Leica L Mounts

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Darryl Lara is a portrait and concert photographer based in the Philippines. Since 2010, he has captured performances of some of the biggest local and international artists and built a strong presence in the concert scene. In 2022, he shifted to full-time writing and editing, where he now covers photography, technology, and gaming with the same passion for storytelling that defines his photography.

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By Darryl Lara

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Last updated 06/29/2026

7Artisans has expanded the availability of its AF 135mm F/1.8 MAX, bringing the fast telephoto prime to Sony E and Leica L mount cameras. The lens first debuted for Nikon Z earlier this year and now gives photographers using Sony and L-Mount systems access to one of the most affordable autofocus 135mm F/1.8 lenses on the market.

Priced at just $689, the AF 135mm F/1.8 MAX undercuts competing options such as the Viltrox AF 135mm F/1.8 LAB by more than $200, making it an attractive option for photographers looking for a bright portrait lens without spending flagship-level money.

Built for Portraits and Low-Light Photography

The classic 135mm focal length has long been favored for portrait photography thanks to its flattering perspective and strong background compression. Paired with a bright F/1.8 maximum aperture, the lens is capable of producing pronounced subject separation while remaining well suited for indoor and low-light shooting.

The Sony E and Leica L versions retain the same optical formula introduced on the Nikon Z model.

The lens features 16 elements in 13 groups, including six extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and five high-refractive-index elements to reduce chromatic aberrations while maintaining sharpness across the frame. A Nano Multi-Coating is also applied to minimize flare and ghosting for improved contrast when shooting into bright light.

According to 7Artisans, the optical design is capable of resolving detail for modern high-resolution cameras with sensors up to 60 megapixels.

Fast Autofocus and Smooth Bokeh

Autofocus is powered by a Silent Stepping Motor, which the company says delivers fast, accurate, and quiet performance for both still photography and video recording.

The lens focuses as close as 0.68 meters, allowing photographers to capture tighter portrait compositions and close-up details. A 12-bladed aperture diaphragm produces smooth out-of-focus backgrounds while also creating 12-point sunstars when the lens is stopped down.

Premium Construction

The AF 135mm F/1.8 MAX features a full-metal barrel machined from aviation-grade aluminum and includes weather sealing to help protect against dust and moisture. The front element is treated with an anti-smudge coating for easier cleaning in the field.

The lens measures 130mm in length, weighs approximately 1,014g, and accepts standard 82mm front filters.

For handling, 7Artisans includes a clicked aperture ring, dual customizable function buttons, an AF/MF switch, and a textured grip for improved ergonomics. A built-in USB-C port also allows users to install future firmware updates.

Pricing and Availability

The 7Artisans AF 135mm F/1.8 MAX is available now for Sony E and Leica L mounts for $689 through the 7Artisans online store and authorized retailers, including B&H Photo.

The Nikon Z version remains available at the same price.

Sample Images with the 7Artisans AF 135mm F/1.8 MAX